Cartridge case

The cartridge case design addresses the issue of incomplete ink extrusion and pressure fluctuations by using a pressing and moving member and a fixing member to ensure constant pressure and stable internal pressure within the pouch.

JP7690792B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-11BROTHER KOGYO KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021108106
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-06-29
Publication Date
2025-06-11
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional cartridge cases using a leaf spring to wind up pouches struggle to achieve a perfect circular wind, leading to incomplete ink extrusion and fluctuating pressure, which results in excessive load on the pouch.

Method used

A cartridge case design that includes a case body housing a liquid pack with a pouch and spout, a pressing and moving member that presses the pouch, and a fixing member that secures the pouch end portion to the case body, allowing for constant pressure application and stable internal pressure.

Benefits of technology

The design stabilizes the internal pressure of the pouch and reduces the residual liquid amount by ensuring consistent pressure application and preventing the pouch from being wound into an imperfect circle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a cartridge case which can stabilize an internal pressure of a pouch and enables reduction of a liquid residual amount in the pouch.SOLUTION: A cartridge case houses a liquid pack having a pouch in which a liquid is stored, and a spout connected to one end portion as seen in a predetermined direction of the pouch. The cartridge case includes: a case body which houses the liquid pack; a pressing movement member which moves in a moving direction which is a direction from a pouch terminal part, the other end portion as seen in the predetermined direction of the pouch, to the spout while pressing the pouch of the liquid pack housed in the case body; and a fixing member which is provided at the case body and fixes the pouch terminal part to the case body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge case for accommodating a pouch in which a liquid is stored.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to reduce the residual amount of a liquid such as ink stored in a pouch, it has been proposed to wind up the pouch using a winding type leaf spring (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, the leaf spring is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pouch and is attached to the bottom of the pouch. At the start of use, the pouch is inflated because it stores the maximum amount of ink. Therefore, the leaf spring is pressed by the pouch at the start of use and is in a state of being extended in the longitudinal direction. Then, as the ink is consumed, the leaf spring winds up the pouch by its restoring force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is difficult to wind up the pouch into a perfect circle by the leaf spring. Therefore, the ink in the pouch cannot be sufficiently extruded, and thus there is a problem that a large amount of ink remains in the pouch after winding up. Further, since it is difficult to wind up the pouch into a perfect circle by the leaf spring as described above, the winding pressure fluctuates. Therefore, the pressure inside the pouch is likely to fluctuate, and there is a risk of applying an excessive load to the pouch.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge case that can stabilize the pressure inside the pouch and reduce the residual amount of the liquid inside the pouch.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cartridge case of the present invention is a cartridge case that houses a liquid pack having a pouch for storing a liquid and a spout connected to one end portion of the pouch in a predetermined direction, and includes a case body for housing the liquid pack, and while pressing the pouch of the liquid pack housed in the case body, a pressing and moving member that moves in a moving direction that is a direction from the pouch end portion, which is the other end portion of the pouch in the predetermined direction, toward the spout, and a fixing member provided on the case body for fixing the pouch end portion to the case body.

[0007] According to the present invention, with the pouch end portion fixed to the case body by the fixing member, while the pressing and moving member presses the pouch, the liquid in the pouch is squeezed out by moving in the moving direction that is the direction from the pouch end portion toward the spout. By configuring in this way, without causing the conventional problem that the pouch cannot be wound into a perfect circle by a leaf spring, it becomes possible to apply a constant pressing force over the moving direction to the pouch firmly fixed by the fixing member, and an unprecedented effect is achieved. As a result, the internal pressure of the pouch can be stabilized and the residual amount of the liquid in the pouch can be reduced.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge case capable of stabilizing the internal pressure of the pouch and reducing the residual amount of the liquid in the pouch.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the cartridge case according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cartridge case described below is only one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and additions, deletions, and changes are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) First, the pouch accommodated in the cartridge case of the present embodiment will be described, and then the cartridge case will be described. The cartridge case of the present embodiment can be attached to a printer disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6183274.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid pack 200. In FIG. 1, the directions orthogonal to each other are defined as the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to a predetermined direction and is the direction in which the pouch 201 of the liquid pack 200 extends. In the longitudinal direction, the side of the spout 202 described later is defined as the front, and the opposite side is defined as the rear. Also, in the width direction, the right side toward the spout 202 is defined as the right, and the opposite side is defined as the left.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid pack 200 includes a pouch 201 that stores a liquid such as ink, for example, and a spout 202 connected to one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the pouch 201. The pouch 201 has a pouch main body portion 201a that forms a storage chamber 204 for storing the liquid, and a pouch end portion 201b that is the other end portion in the longitudinal direction and partitions the storage chamber 204. The pouch 201 has flexibility and is configured by, for example, partially welding two films. The storage chamber 204 is formed by welding two films at a welding portion 203 that is the outer edge of the pouch main body portion 201a and at the pouch end portion 201b.

[0014] The pouch main body portion 201a is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, for example. Also, the pouch end portion 201b is adjacent to the storage chamber 204. The pouch end portion 201b is formed in a tapered shape in plan view, for example. Specifically, the pouch end portion 201b is formed in a tapered shape toward the rear, and specifically, is formed in a trapezoidal shape in plan view, for example. However, the pouch end portion 201b only needs to be formed in a tapered shape toward the rear as described above, and for example, being formed in a triangular shape or a pentagonal shape is not excluded.

[0015] The spout 202 is welded at the center in the width direction at the front end of the pouch 201. The spout 202 is formed in a tubular shape using, for example, a resin material, and has a communication passage that communicates the storage chamber 204 with the outside of the liquid pack 200.

[0016] The pouch end portion 201b is provided with a hole portion 205 which is a through hole through which a boss 8 (FIG. 3) described later is inserted. The hole portion 205 is formed at the center in the width direction in the pouch end portion 201b. The hole portion 205 is formed in a circular shape, for example. However, the shape of the hole portion 205 may be a long hole or the like, for example.

[0017] Next, the cartridge case 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cartridge case 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the liquid pack 200 is fixed to the boss 8.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge case 100 includes a case main body 1, a lid portion 2, a pressing roller 3, and a mounting portion 5. The cartridge case 100 houses the liquid pack 200 of FIG. 1.

[0019] The case main body 1 extends in the longitudinal direction in the same manner as the liquid pack 200. The liquid pack 200 is supported by the case main body 1. A mounting portion 5 for mounting the spout 202 is provided at the front end portion of the case main body 1. The liquid pack 200 is supported by the case main body 1 with the spout 202 mounted on the mounting portion 5. Further, the case main body 1 has wall portions 1a at both ends in the width direction, respectively. Each wall portion 1a protrudes upward.

[0020] The lid portion 2 is positioned above the case body 1. The lid portion 2 extends in the longitudinal direction in the same manner as the case body 1. The dimension of the lid portion 2 in the width direction is substantially the same as the dimension of the case body 1 in the width direction. The lid portion 2 is configured to slide along the movement direction D1 described later and the opposite direction D2 of the movement direction D1 with respect to the case body 1. Further, the lid portion 2 has wall portions 2a at both ends in the width direction. Each wall portion 2a projects downward. At the front end of each wall portion 2a, a pair of ribs 7 projecting downward are provided respectively. Further, gaps 6 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed between the left wall portion 1a and the left wall portion 2a, and between the right wall portion 1a and the right wall portion 2a, respectively.

[0021] Inside the cartridge case 100, a push roller 3 corresponding to a pressing and moving member is provided. The push roller 3 is movable in the movement direction D1 while rotating. The push roller 3 is disposed on the pouch 201. The push roller 3 presses the pouch 201 in the pressing direction D3 (FIG. 3). The pressing direction D3 is a direction from above to below in FIG. 3. The push roller 3 extends in the width direction and has a pair of rotating shafts 4. The pair of rotating shafts 4 are provided on both sides of the push roller 3 in the width direction, respectively. Each rotating shaft 4 projects outward in the width direction from the end portion of the push roller 3 in the width direction. Each rotating shaft 4 is located in each of the gaps 6 described above and is rotatably held around the rotating shaft 4 by the wall portion 1a and the wall portion 2a.

[0022] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a boss 8 corresponding to a fixing member and fixing the pouch end portion 201b to the case body 1 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the case body 1. The boss 8 protrudes from the case body 1 in a protruding direction D4 parallel to the pressing direction D3 of the pressing roller 3. The protruding direction D4 is a direction from bottom to top in FIG. 3. Further, the boss 8 has a smaller cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the protruding direction D4 than the opening area of the hole portion 205. Also, the boss 8 is disposed at the center in the width direction on the inner bottom surface of the case body 1. Furthermore, the boss 8 has a tip portion 8a positioned at a higher position than the contact point CP between the pressing roller 3 and the pouch 201. By inserting such a boss 8 into the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b, the pouch end portion 201b is fixed to the case body 1, and thereby the liquid pack 200 is accommodated in a state of being fixed to the case body 1.

[0023] With the liquid pack 200 fixed to the case body 1, the pressing roller 3 moves in the moving direction D1, which is the direction from the pouch end portion 201b toward the spout 202 while pressing the pouch 201 in the pressing direction D3. The moving direction D1 is the same as the direction from rear to front in the longitudinal direction. Then, the rotation shafts 4 on both sides of the pressing roller 3 are respectively locked to the ribs 7, so that the pressing roller 3 stops at a predetermined position in the front. With the above configuration, the liquid in the pouch 201 is pushed out toward the spout 202. When replacing the liquid pack 200 in a state where the liquid is empty, the lid portion 2 is slid in the opposite direction D2. Thereby, the upper part of the case body 1 can be opened. Note that the pressing roller 3 as the pressing and moving member moves via an electric motor, gears, and the like. The configuration for moving the pressing roller 3 will be specifically described in the second embodiment described later. Also, in this embodiment, the pressing roller 3 is adopted as the pressing and moving member, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a flat pressing plate or the like may be used as the pressing and moving member. The same applies to the second embodiment described later in that a pressing and moving member such as a pressing plate may be used.

[0024] (Second Embodiment) Next, the cartridge case 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. The cartridge case 100A of the present embodiment houses the liquid pack 200 of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the cartridge case 100A of the second embodiment, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of the cartridge case 100A of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the cartridge case 100A of FIG. 4. In the cartridge case 100A, the same components as those of the cartridge case 100 of the first embodiment may be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge case 100A includes a case body 1, a lid portion 2, a pair of pressing rollers Rp, a frame 10, an electric motor 13, a one-way clutch 15, a gear 16, and a pair of pinion gears 17.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the case body 1 is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with an open top, and has wall portions 1a that project upward on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0028] The lid portion 2 is formed in a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section with an open bottom, and has wall portions 2a that project downward on the left and right sides, respectively. The dimension of the lid portion 2 in the width direction is larger than the dimension of the case body 1 in the width direction. The lid portion 2 is positioned to cover the case body 1.

[0029] The frame 10 is formed in a substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section with an open bottom, and has wall portions 10a protruding downward on the left and right sides respectively. Inside the frame 10, a pair of push rollers Rp corresponding to a pressing and moving member is rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 4. The pair of push rollers Rp includes a push roller 3A arranged on the upper side and a push roller 3B arranged on the lower side. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the push roller 3A is equal to the diameter of the push roller 3B. However, the diameters of the push roller 3A and the push roller 3B may be different. The push roller 3A and the push roller 3B are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the push roller 3B is spaced apart from the push roller 3A so as to form a gap between the push roller 3A and the push roller 3B. As will be described later, when the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b, the pouch end portion 201b is inserted into the gap between the push roller 3A and the push roller 3B.

[0030] The left end of the rotating shaft 4 of the push roller 3A is inserted into a hole portion 11 provided in the left wall portion 10a, and the right end of the rotating shaft 4 of the push roller 3A is inserted into a hole portion 11 provided in the right wall portion 10a. Similarly, the left end of the rotating shaft 4 of the push roller 3B is inserted into a hole portion 12 provided in the left wall portion 10a, and the right end of the rotating shaft 4 of the push roller 3B is inserted into a hole portion 12 provided in the right wall portion 10a.

[0031] An electric motor 13 is fixed to the frame 10. As the electric motor 13, for example, a stepping motor can be used. The electric motor 13 is provided with a rotating shaft 14. This rotating shaft 14 is connected and disconnected to and from a one-way clutch 15. The gear of the one-way clutch 15 is meshed with a gear 16. The left end of the rotating shaft 4 of the push roller 3B is connected to the gear 16.

[0032] At the left and right ends of the rotating shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3B, pinion gears 17 are respectively connected. And at the upper ends of the left wall portion 10a and the right wall portion 10a, rack gears (not shown in the figure) are respectively provided. The left pinion gear 17 meshes with the left rack gear, and the right pinion gear 17 meshes with the right rack gear.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, at the front portion of the lid portion 2 (the vicinity of the spout 202 of the liquid pack 200 in the state of being fixed to the boss 8 in the lid portion 2), a pair of locking ribs 2b are provided. One of the pair of locking ribs 2b is arranged on the left, and the other locking rib 2b is arranged on the right. The lower end of the left locking rib 2b is positioned at a position lower than the uppermost part of the left pinion gear 17, and the lower end of the right locking rib 2b is positioned at a position lower than the uppermost part of the right pinion gear 17.

[0034] In the above configuration, when the electric motor 13 is driven by a control device (not shown in the figure), the gear 16 rotates around the rotating shaft 4 via the rotating shaft 14 of the electric motor 13 and the one-way clutch 15. As a result, the pressing roller 3B rotates around the rotating shaft 4, and the pressing roller 3A rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the pressing roller 3B via the pouch end portion 201b sandwiched between the pressing roller 3B and the pressing roller 3A. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B each move in the moving direction D1.

[0035] Specifically, the pushing roller 3A moves in the moving direction D1 from the pouch end portion 201b while pressing one surface Ms1 of the pouch main body portion 201a of the pouch 201. Further, the pushing roller 3B moves in the moving direction D1 from the pouch end portion 201b while pressing a portion of the other surface Ms2 of the pouch main body portion 201a of the pouch 201 that faces the portion of the one surface Ms1 pressed by the pushing roller 3A. At this time, as the rotary shaft 4 of the pushing roller 3B rotates, each pinion gear 17 rotates, so that the gear 16, the one-way clutch 15, the electric motor 13, and the frame 10 also move in the moving direction D1. Then, when the pushing rollers 3A and 3B move to a predetermined position along the moving direction D1, each pinion gear 17 is locked to each of the above-described locking ribs 2b. Thereby, the pushing rollers 3A and 3B stop at a predetermined position. Note that the magnitude of the clamping force of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B is a clamping force such that liquid does not flow from the portion of the storage chamber 204 corresponding to the portion of the pouch main body portion 201a pressed by the pushing rollers 3A and 3B toward the pouch end portion 201b.

[0036] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, in the longitudinal direction of the pouch 201, the distance L2 between the end Tr of the pouch end portion 201b adjacent to the storage chamber 204 (FIG. 1) and the hole portion 205 is larger than the diameter L1 of the pushing roller 3B.

[0037] Next, a time series from the initial state of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B in the cartridge case 100A to the state of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B at the time of pouch replacement will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9(a) is a view showing the pushing rollers 3A and 3B in the initial position Ps, FIG. 9(b) is a view showing the positions of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B during liquid use, and FIG. 9(c) is a view showing the positions of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B when the liquid is empty. Further, FIG. 10(a) is a view showing the state when the pushing rollers 3A and 3B are returned to the initial position Ps, and FIG. 10(b) is a view showing the positions of the pushing rollers 3A and 3B at the time of pouch replacement.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the initial state in the cartridge case 100A, the pressing rollers 3A and 3B are arranged at the initial position Ps (that is, a position closer to the pouch end portion 201b than the storage chamber 204 in FIG. 1). In this case, the pinion gear 17 is arranged at a position farthest from the locking rib 2b of the lid portion 2.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when using a liquid such as ink, since the remaining amount of the liquid in the pouch 201 decreases, the rotational operation of the electric motor 13 is controlled so that the pressing rollers 3A and 3B move in the moving direction D1 along with the decrease. Thereby, the liquid in the pouch 201 is pushed out toward the spout 202 (FIG. 7).

[0040] Then, when the liquid is continuously used and the liquid in the pouch 201 becomes almost empty, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the rotational operation of the electric motor 13 is controlled so that the pressing rollers 3A and 3B stop at a predetermined position in the front in the moving direction D1. At this time, as described above, each pinion gear 17 is locked to each locking rib 2b.

[0041] When replacing the liquid pack 200 in a state where the liquid has become empty, as shown in FIG. 10(a), with each locking rib 2b in contact with each pinion gear 17 (the state in FIG. 9(c)), the user slides the lid portion 2 along the opposite direction D2. At this time, the one-way clutch 15 rotates via the pinion gear 17, the rotary shaft 4, and the gear 16, but the rotary shaft 14 of the electric motor 13 does not rotate. Due to the function of such a one-way clutch 15, the detent torque in the electric motor 13 is not applied to the drive system (that is, the one-way clutch 15, the gear 16, and the rotary shaft 4) that rotates the pressing roller 3B.

[0042] When the process of Fig. 10(a) is performed, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the pressing rollers 3A and 3B can be returned to their original positions. In this state, the used liquid pack 200 can be removed by extracting the pouch end portion 201b sandwiched between the pressing rollers 3A and 3B from the pressing rollers 3A and 3B. Then, after attaching a new liquid pack 200, by sliding the lid portion 2 along the moving direction D1, the state of Fig. 9(a) described above can be achieved. The method of attaching the liquid pack 200 will be described in detail later.

[0043] Next, a method of attaching the liquid pack 200 to the cartridge case 100A will be described. Figs. 11(a) to (e) are diagrams showing each step of the method of attaching the pouch. Note that in Figs. 11(a) to (e), the illustration of the lid portion 2 is omitted.

[0044] As described above, as shown in Fig. 11(a), first, slide the lid portion 2 to open the upper part of the case body 1. Next, as shown in Fig. 11(b), insert the rear end of the pouch end portion 201b of the liquid pack 200 between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B. Thereby, the pouch end portion 201b is sandwiched between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B.

[0045] Subsequently, with the pouch 201 in a state where the pouch end portion 201b is sandwiched between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, push the pouch 201 backward as shown in Fig. 11(c). Then, after the rear end of the pouch end portion 201b contacts the boss 8, as the pouch 201 is further pushed backward, the pouch end portion 201b bends upward.

[0046] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(d), by inserting the boss 8 through the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b, the pouch 201 can be fixed to the boss 8 as shown in Fig. 11(e).

[0047] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a pouch retaining portion 8b provided at the tip portion 8a of the boss 8. As described above, the boss 8 is configured to project upward. As shown in FIG. 12, a pouch retaining portion 8b extending in a direction different from the projecting direction of the boss 8 (i.e., upward direction) may be provided at the tip portion 8a of the boss 8. In the present embodiment, the pouch retaining portion 8b extends rearward. As a result, in a side view (view in the plane of FIG. 12), the shape formed by combining the boss 8 and the pouch retaining portion 8b is an L shape. However, the shape and the arrangement direction of the pouch retaining portion 8b are not limited to the above-described mode. For example, a pouch retaining portion extending obliquely upward rearward from the tip portion 8a of the boss 8 may be employed. Note that the pouch retaining portion 8b can also be applied to the boss 8 in the first embodiment.

[0048] Next, three examples will be given to explain the method of attaching the liquid pack 200. In the example shown in FIG. 13(a), the right end of the pressing roller 3A and the right end of the pressing roller 3B are connected to the hinge portion 20 so that the pressing roller 3A can rotate relative to the pressing roller 3B in a plan view. In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the pressing roller 3A is rotated relative to the pressing roller 3B so that the angle formed by the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B is about 90°, and the boss 8 is inserted into the hole 205 of the pouch end portion 201b. Then, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the pressing roller 3A is rotated so that the pressing roller 3A is substantially parallel to the pressing roller 3B, and the pouch end portion 201b is clamped between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B. As described above, after the boss 8 is inserted into the hole 205 of the pouch end portion 201b, the pouch end portion 201b is clamped between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B. Therefore, it becomes easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole 205. That is, if the order is to insert the boss 8 into the hole 205 after clamping the pouch end portion 201b, the deformation of the pouch end portion 201b is restricted by the pressing force during clamping, and it becomes difficult to insert the boss 8 into the hole 205. However, this is suppressed or prevented in this example.

[0049] Subsequently, as described above, in the present embodiment, the pouch end portion 201b, which is a region that does not store liquid, is provided in the pouch 201. As a result, the thickness of the pouch end portion 201b can be made smaller than the thickness of the pouch main body portion 201a that stores liquid. By this, even when the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205 as shown in Fig. 14(b) after the pouch end portion 201b is sandwiched between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B as shown in Fig. 14(a), the deformation of the pouch end portion 201b is less likely to be restricted. Therefore, it is suppressed that the ease of inserting the boss 8 into the hole portion 205 is significantly inhibited.

[0050] Next, as another example of the fixing member, a fixing member 80 as shown in Fig. 15(a) may be used. The fixing member 80 has a pair of stopper members 80a and 80b that extend in the width direction, and a screw 80c. The dimensions of the pair of stopper members 80a and 80b in the width direction are larger than the dimensions of the pouch end portion 201b in the width direction. The stopper member 80a and the stopper member 80b may be formed in a plate shape, for example, and are each supported by the case main body 1. Note that screw holes are provided at both ends in the width direction of the stopper member 80a and the stopper member 80b, respectively.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 15(a), first, the pouch end portion 201b is passed between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, and then the pouch end portion 201b is passed between the stopper member 80a and the stopper member 80b. Then, as shown in Fig. 15(b), with the pouch end portion 201b sandwiched between the stopper members 80a and 80b, the screw 80c is fastened to each screw hole of the stopper members 80a and 80b. Also in such a manner, the pouch end portion 201b can be fixed to the case main body 1 by the fixing member 80.

[0052] Here, another example of the guides for guiding the pressing rollers 3A and 3B will be described. FIG. 16(a) is a view showing one guide Gmu for guiding the pressing roller 3A and the other guide Gms for guiding the pressing roller 3B. Further, FIG. 16(b) is a view showing another one guide Gmv for guiding the pressing roller 3A and another other guide Gmk for guiding the pressing roller 3B.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 16(a), one guide Gmu for guiding the pressing roller 3A has one first portion Gm1 extending in the longitudinal direction and one second portion Gm3 connected to the rear end of the one first portion Gm1 and extending in the thickness direction. The one first portion Gm1 and the one second portion Gm3 are respectively provided on both wall portions 1a of the case body 1 and are, for example, groove portions for supporting each end of the rotating shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3A. Further, the other guide Gms for guiding the pressing roller 3B has the other first portion Gm2 extending in the longitudinal direction. The other first portion Gm2 is respectively provided on both wall portions 1a of the case body 1 and is, for example, a groove portion for supporting each end of the rotating shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3B.

[0054] In the above configuration, when the pressing rollers 3A and 3B are respectively in the above-described initial positions Ps, the pressing roller 3A is disposed at the contact position Pe where it contacts one surface Ms1 (contact surface Mst that can face the pressing roller 3A) of the pouch 201. Further, the pressing roller 3A is movable to the separation position Pr which is a position separated from the above contact position Pe in the pressing direction D3 by the one second portion Gm3. That is, the pressing roller 3A is movable to the separation position Pr which is a position where it does not contact one surface Ms1 of the pouch 201 in the initial position Ps. In such a configuration, by disposing the pressing roller 3A at the separation position Pr by the one second portion Gm3, it becomes easier to pass the pouch end portion 201b between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, and it also becomes easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole portion 205. After the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205, the pressing roller 3A is moved to the contact position Pe.

[0055] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 16(b), there are provided a first guide Gmv for guiding the pressing roller 3A along the moving direction and a second guide Gmk for guiding the pressing roller 3B along the moving direction. The pressing roller 3A is arranged to face one surface Ms1 of the pouch 201, and the pressing roller 3B is arranged to face the other surface Ms2 of the pouch 201.

[0056] The first guide Gmv has a first part Gm4, a second part Gm5, and a third part Gm6. The second part Gm5 is disposed at a position corresponding to the initial position Ps. The front end of the first part Gm4 is connected to the second part Gm5, and the first part Gm4 is arranged in an inclined state such that its rear end is higher than the front end. The first part Gm4 is closer to the boss 8 than the initial position Ps. The rear end of the third part Gm6 is connected to the second part Gm5, and the third part Gm6 extends in the longitudinal direction. The third part Gm6 is farther from the boss 8 than the initial position Ps.

[0057] On the other hand, the second guide Gmk has a first part Gm7, a second part Gm8, and a third part Gm9. The second part Gm8 is disposed at a position corresponding to the initial position Ps. The front end of the first part Gm7 is connected to the second part Gm8, and the first part Gm7 extends in the longitudinal direction. The first part Gm7 is closer to the boss 8 than the initial position Ps. The rear end of the third part Gm9 is connected to the second part Gm8, and the third part Gm9 extends in the longitudinal direction. The third part Gm9 is farther from the boss 8 than the initial position Ps. In such a configuration, the distance between the first part Gm4 and the first part Gm7 in the pressing direction D3 is larger than the distance between the second part Gm5 and the second part Gm8. With the above configuration, by arranging the pressing roller 3A at the separation position Pr by the first part Gm4, it becomes easier to pass the pouch end portion 201b between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, and it also becomes easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole portion 205.

[0058] Here, in order to widen the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, a rotating plate Ki having a rotating shaft Kz may be provided. As shown in FIG. 17(a), the rotating shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3A is supported by the upper end Sf1 of the guide, and the rotating shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3B is supported by the lower end Sf2 of the guide. The upper end Sf1 of the guide and the lower end Sf2 of the guide are respectively the upper end and the lower end of the groove provided in the wall portion 1a (FIG. 5). A rotating shaft Kz extending in the width direction is provided at the front end portion of the upper end Sf1 of the guide. The rotating plate Ki is connected to the rotating shaft Kz so as to be rotatable around the rotating shaft Kz, and extends downward so as to block the forward movement of the pressing roller 3A.

[0059] In the above configuration, when the pressing roller 3A moves forward and contacts the rotating plate Ki, as shown in FIG. 17(b), it moves upward while rotating the rotating plate Ki so as to climb over the rotating plate Ki. Thereby, the pressing roller 3A moves to a position farther from the pressing roller 3 than in the state of FIG. 17(a). Thereby, it becomes possible to widen the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B at a position near the rear end of the spout 202 (FIG. 1). Here, when foreign matter (for example, ink clumps, etc.) exists in the pouch 201, it may not be sufficiently pushed out by the pressing rollers 3A and 3B, and the liquid may remain in the pouch main body portion 201a. In such a case, it may be difficult for the pressing rollers 3A and 3B to be caught by the portion where the residual liquid of the pouch main body portion 201a exists and return to the initial position Ps. Therefore, after widening the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B, the pressing rollers 3A and 3B can be returned to the initial position Ps.

[0060] By the way, when using the liquid pack 200 having the pouch main body portion 201a with different thicknesses according to the type of liquid stored in the storage chamber 204 of the pouch main body portion 201a, a configuration capable of changing the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0061] FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the gap 60A between the upper guide Sf1 and the lower guide Sf2 is relatively small, and FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the gap 60B between the upper guide Sf1 and the lower guide Sf2 is relatively large. Further, FIG. 18(c) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B is relatively small, and FIG. 18(d) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B is relatively large.

[0062] When sandwiching the pouch 201 that stores, for example, normal ink (ink that does not require light shielding) as the liquid, the configuration of FIG. 18(a) in which the gap (gap in the thickness direction) 60A between the upper guide Sf1 and the lower guide Sf2 is relatively small can be used. On the other hand, when storing, for example, photocurable ink (ink that requires light shielding) as the liquid, a pouch 201 with a relatively large thickness such as an aluminum pouch is often used. Therefore, the configuration of FIG. 18(b) in which the gap 60B between the upper guide Sf1 and the lower guide Sf2 is relatively large, and thereby the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B is relatively large can be used. Even when adopting a configuration using a guide for guiding the rotation shaft 4 of the pressing roller 3A and a guide for guiding the rotation shaft of the pressing roller 3B (the configuration of FIG. 16. That is, a configuration in which a guide is provided for each rotation shaft 4), it is possible to widen the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B by increasing the gap between these guides.

[0063] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 18(c) and 18(d), by varying the diameter of the rotating shaft 4, the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B can be varied without changing the dimensions of the gaps 60C and 60D between the upper guide Sf1 and the lower guide Sf2. In FIG. 18(c), by using the rotating shaft 4a with a relatively large diameter, the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B can be reduced. In this case, for example, the pouch 201 storing normal ink as a liquid can be sandwiched between the pressing rollers 3A and 3B. On the other hand, in FIG. 18(d), by using the rotating shaft 4 with a relatively small diameter, the gap between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B can be increased. In this case, for example, the pouch 201 storing photocurable ink as a liquid can be sandwiched between the pressing rollers 3A and 3B.

[0064] Subsequently, each diameter and each arrangement of the pressing rollers 3A and 3B will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19(a) is a view showing a state before the end portion 201b of the pouch is sandwiched between the pressing rollers 3A and 30B in a mode where the diameter of the pressing roller 3A is smaller than the diameter of the pressing roller 30B. FIG. 19(b) is a view showing a state where the end portion 201b of the pouch is sandwiched between the pressing rollers 3A and 30B in FIG. 19(a). Also, FIG. 20(a) is a view showing a state before the end portion 201b of the pouch is sandwiched between the pressing rollers 30A and 3B in a mode where the diameter of the pressing roller 30A is larger than the diameter of the pressing roller 3B. FIG. 20(b) is a view showing a state where the end portion 201b of the pouch is sandwiched between the pressing rollers 30A and 3B in FIG. 20(a).

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 19(a) and (b), the push roller 3A is arranged such that the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 3A is positioned closer to the boss 8 than the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 30B in the moving direction D1. In such a configuration, the push rollers 3A and 30B are arranged such that a virtual line KL connecting the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 3A and the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 30B intersects the moving direction D1. According to the aspect of FIGS. 19(a) and (b), since the diameter of the push roller 3A is smaller than the diameter of the push roller 30B, when the pouch end portion 201b is inserted between the push roller 3A and the push roller 30B, it becomes easier for the user to confirm the insertion direction. Further, since the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 3A is positioned closer to the boss 8 and the push rollers 3A and 30B are arranged such that the virtual line KL intersects the moving direction D1, the pouch end portion 201b after insertion faces downward. As a result, the pouch end portion 201b in a state where the boss 8 is inserted through the hole portion 205 is less likely to come off the boss 8.

[0066] Also, as shown in FIGS. 20(a) and (b), the push roller 30A is arranged such that the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 30A is positioned closer to the boss 8 than the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 3B in the moving direction D1. In such a configuration, the push rollers 30A and 3B are arranged such that a virtual line KL connecting the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 30A and the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 3B intersects the moving direction D1. According to the aspect of FIGS. 20(a) and (b), since the rotation axis 4 of the push roller 30A is positioned closer to the boss 8 and the push rollers 30A and 3B are arranged such that the virtual line KL intersects the moving direction D1, the pouch end portion 201b after insertion faces downward. As a result, the pouch end portion 201b in a state where the boss 8 is inserted through the hole portion 205 is less likely to come off the boss 8.

[0067] As described above, according to the cartridge case 100 of the present embodiment, with the pouch end portion 201b fixed to the case body 1 by the boss 8, the pressing rollers 3A and 3B move in the moving direction D1, which is the direction from the pouch end portion 201b toward the spout 202, while pressing the pouch main body portion 201a of the pouch 201. As a result, the liquid in the pouch 201 is squeezed out. By configuring it in this way, without causing the conventional problem that the pouch cannot be wound into a perfect circle by the leaf spring, it is possible to apply a constant pressing force to the pouch 201 firmly fixed to the boss 8 over the moving direction D1, achieving an unprecedented effect. This stabilizes the internal pressure of the pouch 201 and reduces the residual amount of the liquid in the pouch 201.

[0068] Also, in the present embodiment, a boss that protrudes from the case body 1 in the protruding direction D4 parallel to the pressing direction D3 of the pressing rollers 3A and 3B and has a cross-sectional area smaller than the opening area of the hole portion 205 in a cross-section orthogonal to the protruding direction D4 is used as the fixing member. This makes it easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole portion 205, and thus it becomes easier to fix the pouch end portion 201b to the case body 1.

[0069] Also, in the present embodiment, the boss 8 has a tip portion 8a positioned at a position higher than the contact point CP between the pressing roller 3 and the pouch 201. This can improve the reliability of maintaining the state where the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205 without coming out of the hole portion 205 after the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205.

[0070] Also, in the present embodiment, a pouch retaining portion 8b that extends in a direction different from the protruding direction D4 is provided at the tip portion 8a of the boss 8. This can further improve the reliability of maintaining the state where the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205 without coming out of the hole portion 205.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the distance L2 between the end Tr adjacent to the storage chamber 204 of the pouch end portion 201b and the hole portion 205 is larger than the diameter L1 of the pressing rollers 3A and 3B. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the pressing rollers 3A and 3B from contacting the portion of the pouch main body portion 201a that forms the storage chamber 204 in the initial position Ps.

[0072] Further, in the present embodiment, the pouch end portion 201b is a welded portion that partitions the storage chamber 204 and is located at the outer edge of the pouch 201. In this case, since the thickness of the pouch end portion 201b can be made relatively small, it becomes easier to insert the pouch end portion 201b between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B.

[0073] Further, in the present embodiment, the pressing roller 3A is movable between the contact position Pe and the separation position Pr in the initial position Ps. In this case, if the pressing roller 3A is moved to the separation position Pr, it becomes easier to deform the pouch end portion 201b upward, and therefore it becomes easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole portion 205.

[0074] Further, in the present embodiment, the distance between one first portion Gm4 and the other first portion Gm7 in the pressing direction D3 is larger than the distance between one second portion Gm5 and the other second portion Gm8. As a result, it becomes easier to pass the pouch end portion 201b between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B and easier to insert the boss 8 into the hole portion 205.

[0075] Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis 4 of the pressing roller 3A is positioned near the boss 8, and the pressing rollers 3A and 30B are arranged such that the virtual line KL intersects the moving direction D1. Therefore, the pouch end portion 201b after being inserted between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 3B faces downward. As a result, it becomes difficult for the pouch end portion 201b in a state where the boss 8 is inserted into the hole portion 205 to come off from the boss 8.

[0076] In addition, in the present embodiment, the diameter of the pressing roller 3A can be made smaller than the diameter of the pressing roller 30B. In this case, when inserting the pouch end portion 201b between the pressing roller 3A and the pressing roller 30B, it becomes easier for the user to confirm the insertion direction.

[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pressing roller 3B moves in the moving direction D1 from the pouch end portion 201b while pressing the portion of the other surface Ms2 of the pouch main body portion 201a of the pouch 201 that faces the one surface Ms1 pressed by the pressing roller 3A. Thereby, the liquid in the pouch 201 can be sufficiently squeezed out.

[0078] (Modification example) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is as follows.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the boss 8 protruding from the case main body 1 has been described, but the following boss 81 may be used. FIGS. 21(a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining an example of a method of inserting the boss 81 into the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b. In FIG. 21, the pressing rollers 3A and 3B are not shown.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the case main body 1 has an inner bottom surface 1t and a rear wall portion 1h erected upward from the rear end portion of the inner bottom surface 1t. A through hole 1m is formed in the rear wall portion 1h. The boss 81 is provided so as to protrude from the inner bottom surface 1t of the case main body 1. The boss 81 has a first member 81a and a second member 81b. The second member 81b is located behind the first member 81a. The first member 81a is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and the second member 81b is formed, for example, in a substantially circular shape in plan view. The top surface of the first member 81a and the top surface of the second member 81b are combined to form a top surface Sc. The top surface Sc is inclined such that a position farther from the pressing rollers 3A and 3B in the longitudinal direction (moving direction D1) is located above.

[0081] A pouch guide member 43 is provided on the rear wall portion 1h of the case body 1. The pouch guide member 43 has a pair of opposing portions 41 that face the inner bottom surface 1t of the case body 1, and a recess 42 that is formed in the opposing portion 41 and in which the tip of the boss 81 is inserted. Each of the opposing portions 41 is formed in a plate shape and is connected to the rear wall portion 1h so as to be spaced apart from each other. Thereby, the above-mentioned recess 42 is formed between one opposing portion 41 and the other opposing portion 41.

[0082] In the above configuration, when inserting the boss 8 through the hole 205 of the pouch end portion 201b, the pouch end portion 201b held between the push roller 3A and the push roller 3B is pushed forward toward the boss 81. Then, as shown in Fig. 21(c), the pouch end portion 201b deforms convexly as it follows the top surface Sc. By further pushing forward the pouch end portion 201b deformed convexly, the second member 81b of the boss 81 can be inserted through the hole 205 of the pouch end portion 201b. With this configuration, it becomes possible to easily insert the second member 81b of the boss 81 through the hole 205 by simply pushing the pouch end portion 201b forward toward the boss 81. Incidentally, the user can release the fixing of the pouch end portion 201b by inserting a finger through the through hole 1m and pulling out the boss 81 from the hole 205.

[0083] Also, the following length relationship may be satisfied in the above second embodiment. Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining the length of the pouch end portion 201b when using the fixing member 80 of Figs. 15(a) and (b).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 22, the fixing member 80 has a contact area As for contacting and fixing to the pouch end portion 201b of the pouch 201. In such a configuration, it is desirable that the length L4 in the longitudinal direction of the pouch end portion 201b is longer than the length L3 between the nip point NP of the pressing roller pair Rp and the end point Ast that is the farthest from the pressing roller pair Rp in the longitudinal direction among the contact area As. By making the length L4 of the pouch end portion 201b relatively long in this way, the pressing rollers 3A and 3B can be arranged at the pouch end portion 201b in a state where they are separated from the storage chamber 204.

[0085] Also, in the above-described second embodiment, the mode in which the boss 8 protruding in the protruding direction D4 from the case body 1 is inserted into the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the following modes can also be adopted. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the fixing member 180. As shown in FIG. 23, a fixing member 180 such as a round bar extending in the width direction may be inserted into the hole portion 205 of the pouch end portion 201b that is, for example, twisted about 90° with respect to the pouch main body portion 201a. Even with such a configuration, the pouch end portion 201b can be fixed.

[0086] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the pouch 201 is composed of two films 10a and 10b, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be composed of, for example, a single film.

[0087] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example in which ink is used as the liquid has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, liquids that can be used in industrial fields such as oil, fuel, and liquids in which metal particles for printing wiring patterns are dispersed may be used.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Case body 3, 3A, 3B, 30A, 30B Pressing rollers 4, 4a Rotation shafts 8, 81 Bosses 8a Tip portion 8b Pouch retaining portion 41 Opposite part 42 Concave part 43 Guide member for the pouch 100, 100A Cartridge case 200 Liquid pack 201 Pouch 201a Pouch main body part 201b Pouch end part 202 Spout 204 Storage chamber 205 Hole part As Contact area CP Contact point D1 Moving direction D3 Pressing direction D4 Protruding direction Gm4 One first part Gm5 One second part Gm6 One third part Gm7 The other first part Gm8 The other second part Gm9 The other third part Gmk The other guide Gmv One guide KL Virtual line L1 Diameter of the pressing roller L2 Distance between the end adjacent to the storage chamber of the pouch end part and the hole part L3 Distance between the nip point and the end point of the contact area L4 Length of the pouch end part Ms1 One side Ms2 The other side Mst Opposite surface NP Nip point Pe Contact position Pr Separation position Ps Initial position Rp Pressing roller pair Sc Top surface Tr End adjacent to the storage chamber of the pouch end part

Claims

A cartridge case for accommodating a liquid pack having a pouch for storing a liquid and a spout connected to one end portion of the pouch in a predetermined direction, comprising: a case body for accommodating the liquid pack; a pressing and moving member that moves in a moving direction, which is a direction from a pouch end portion, which is the other end portion of the pouch in the predetermined direction, toward the spout while pressing the pouch of the liquid pack accommodated in the case body; a fixing member provided on the case body for fixing the pouch end portion to the case body; a hole portion through which the fixing member is inserted is provided in the pouch end portion; the fixing member is a boss that protrudes from the case body in a protruding direction parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing and moving member, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the protruding direction is smaller than the opening area of the hole portion; the pouch has a storage chamber for storing a liquid, adjacent to the pouch end portion in the predetermined direction; the pressing and moving member is a push roller that is movable while rotating in the moving direction; in the predetermined direction, the distance between the end portion adjacent to the storage chamber of the pouch end portion and the hole portion is larger than the diameter of the push roller; the push roller is arranged at an initial position closer to the pouch end portion than the storage chamber before use of the liquid stored in the pouch, the cartridge case. A cartridge case for accommodating a liquid pack having a pouch for storing a liquid and a spout connected to one end portion of the pouch in a predetermined direction, comprising: a case body for accommodating the liquid pack; a pressing and moving member that moves in a moving direction, which is a direction from a pouch end portion, which is the other end portion of the pouch in the predetermined direction, toward the spout while pressing the pouch of the liquid pack accommodated in the case body; a fixing member provided on the case body for fixing the pouch end portion to the case body; a hole portion through which the fixing member is inserted is provided in the pouch end portion; the fixing member is a boss that protrudes from the case body in a protruding direction parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing and moving member, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the protruding direction is smaller than the opening area of the hole portion; the pouch has a storage chamber for storing a liquid, adjacent to the pouch end portion in the predetermined direction; the fixing member has a contact area for contacting and fixing to the pouch. The pressing and moving member is a pair of pressing rollers including one pressing roller and the other pressing roller, In the predetermined direction, the length of the pouch end portion is longer than the length between the nip point of the pair of pressing rollers and the end point farthest from the pair of pressing rollers in the predetermined direction of the contact area, The pair of pressing rollers is arranged at a position away from the storage chamber of the pouch end portion before use of the liquid stored in the pouch, in a cartridge case.

3. The cartridge case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boss has a tip portion positioned at a position higher than the contact point between the pressing and moving member and the pouch.

4. The cartridge case according to claim 3, wherein a pouch retaining portion extending in a direction different from the protruding direction of the boss is provided at the tip portion of the boss.

5. The cartridge case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pouch end portion is a welded portion that partitions the storage chamber and is located at the outer edge of the pouch.

6. The pouch has a facing surface capable of facing the pressing roller, The cartridge case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressing roller is movable between a contact position in contact with the facing surface of the pouch and a separation position away from the contact position in the pressing direction of the pressing and moving member.

7. The cartridge case according to claim 6, wherein the pressing roller is movable between the contact position and the separation position at an initial position that is closer to the pouch end portion than the storage chamber.

8. A cartridge case for accommodating a liquid pack having a pouch for storing a liquid and a spout connected to a portion at one end of the pouch in a predetermined direction, A case body for accommodating the liquid pack, A pressing and moving member that moves in a moving direction that is a direction from the pouch end portion, which is a portion at the other end of the pouch in the predetermined direction, toward the spout while pressing the pouch of the liquid pack accommodated in the case body, A fixing member provided on the case body for fixing the pouch end portion to the case body, A hole portion through which the fixing member is inserted is provided in the pouch end portion, The fixing member is a boss that protrudes from the case body in a protruding direction parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing and moving member, and the cross-sectional area of a cross-section orthogonal to the protruding direction is smaller than the opening area of the hole portion. The pouch has a storage chamber that is adjacent to the pouch end portion in the predetermined direction and stores liquid. The pressing and moving member is a pressing roller that is movable while rotating in the moving direction. In the predetermined direction, the distance between the end portion of the pouch end portion adjacent to the storage chamber and the hole portion is larger than the diameter of the pressing roller. The pouch has a facing surface that can face the pressing roller. The pressing roller is movable between a contact position that contacts the facing surface of the pouch and a separation position that is separated from the contact position in the pressing direction of the pressing and moving member. The pressing roller is movable between the contact position and the separation position at an initial position that is closer to the pouch end portion than the storage chamber. The pressing and moving member is a pair of pressing rollers including one pressing roller and the other pressing roller. The one pressing roller is arranged to face one surface of the pouch, and the other pressing roller is arranged to face the other surface of the pouch. The cartridge case includes one guide that guides the one pressing roller along the moving direction and the other guide that guides the other pressing roller along the moving direction. The one guide has a first one portion closer to the boss than the initial position, a second one portion corresponding to the initial position, and a third one portion farther from the boss than the initial position in the moving direction. The other guide has a first other portion closer to the boss than the initial position, a second other portion corresponding to the initial position, and a third other portion farther from the boss than the initial position in the moving direction. The distance between the first one portion and the first other portion in the pressing direction is larger than the distance between the second one portion and the second other portion. Cartridge case.

9. The one pressing roller and the other pressing roller each have a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the one pressing roller is closer to the boss than the rotation axis of the other pressing roller in the moving direction. The cartridge case according to claim 8, wherein a virtual line connecting the rotation axis of the one pressing roller and the rotation axis of the other pressing roller intersects the moving direction.

10. The cartridge case according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the diameter of the one pressing roller is smaller than the diameter of the other pressing roller.

11. The one pressing roller presses one surface of the pouch and moves from the end portion of the pouch in the moving direction. The other pressing roller presses a portion of the other surface of the pouch that faces the portion of the one surface pressed by the one pressing roller, and moves from the end portion of the pouch in the moving direction. The cartridge case according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The boss has a top surface inclined so that a position farther in the moving direction than a position close to the pressing and moving member is located above. The cartridge case according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The cartridge case according to claim 12, further comprising a pouch guide member having a facing portion facing the inner bottom surface of the case body and a recess formed in the facing portion and located with the tip of the boss inserted therein.

Citation Information

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